Method and apparatus for implementing reference signal transmissions in a wireless communication system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for implementing reference signal transmissions in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, the method includes the cell, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) broadcasting a first RS periodically for measurement, wherein the first RS is transmitted at multiple occasions (or timings) in each period on different beams. The method also includes the cell, TP, or TRP transmitting a second RS to a UE for PDCCH demodulation, wherein the second RS is transmitted on multiple beams in a beam set of the UE in a subframe (or symbol) in which the PDCCH is transmitted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/227,829, filed on Dec. 20, 2018, entitled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING REFERENCE SIGNAL TRANSMISSIONS INA WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM”, which claims priority to and is adivisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/160,401, filed on May 20,2016, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING REFERENCE SIGNALTRANSMISSIONS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM”, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/165,646 filedon May 22, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/174,817 filed on Jun. 12, 2015. The entire disclosure of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/227,829, the entire disclosure of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/160,401, the entire disclosure of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/165,646 and the entiredisclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/174,817are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication networks,and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for implementingreference signal transmissions in a wireless communication system.

BACKGROUND

With the rapid rise in demand for communication of large amounts of datato and from mobile communication devices, traditional mobile voicecommunication networks are evolving into networks that communicate withInternet Protocol (IP) data packets. Such IP data packet communicationcan provide users of mobile communication devices with voice over IP,multimedia, multicast and on-demand communication services.

An exemplary network structure is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial RadioAccess Network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN system can provide high datathroughput in order to realize the above-noted voice over IP andmultimedia services. A new radio technology for the next generation(e.g., 5G) is currently being discussed by the 3GPP standardsorganization. Accordingly, changes to the current body of 3GPP standardare currently being submitted and considered to evolve and finalize the3GPP standard.

SUMMARY

A method and apparatus for implementing reference signal transmissionsin a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, the methodincludes the cell, transmission point (TP), or transmission andreception point (TRP) broadcasting a first RS periodically formeasurement, wherein the first RS is transmitted at multiple occasions(or timings) in each period on different beams. The method also includesthe cell, TP, or TRP transmitting a second RS to a UE (User Equipment)for PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) demodulation, wherein thesecond RS is transmitted on multiple beams in a beam set of the UE in asubframe (or symbol) in which the PDCCH is transmitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a wireless communication system according toone exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter system (also known as accessnetwork) and a receiver system (also known as user equipment or UE)according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication system accordingto one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the program code of FIG. 3according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a reproduction of FIG. 5.1-1 of 3GPP TS 36.300.

FIG. 6 is a reproduction of FIG. 5.1-2 of 3GPP TS 36.300.

FIG. 7 is a reproduction of Table 5.1-1 of 3GPP TS 36.300.

FIG. 8 is a reproduction of FIG. 6.2.2-1 of 3GPP TS 36.211.

FIG. 9 is a reproduction of Table 6.2.3-1 of 3GPP TS 36.211.

FIG. 10 shows a physical subframe structure according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a timing diagram of CRS (Cell-specific Reference Signal)transmissions according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of CRS and PDCCH transmissions according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a message flow diagram according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart according to one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary wireless communication systems and devices described belowemploy a wireless communication system, supporting a broadcast service.Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide varioustypes of communication such as voice, data, and so on. These systems maybe based on code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA),3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless access, 3GPP LTE-A orLTE-Advanced (Long Term Evolution Advanced), 3GPP2 UMB (Ultra MobileBroadband), WiMax, or some other modulation techniques.

In particular, the exemplary wireless communication systems devicesdescribed below may be designed to support the wireless technologydiscussed in the various documents, including: “DOCOMO 5G White Paper”by NTT Docomo, Inc. and METIS Deliverable D2.4, “Proposed solutions fornew radio access”. Furthermore, the exemplary wireless communicationsystems devices described below may be designed to support one or morestandards such as the standard offered by a consortium named “3rdGeneration Partnership Project” referred to herein as 3GPP, including:TS 36.300 V12.5.0, “E-UTRA and E-UTRAN Overall description”; 3GPP TS36.211 V12.5.0, “E-UTRA Physical channels and modulation”; TS 36.331V12.5.0, “E-UTRA RRC protocol specification”; TS 36.213 V12.3.0, “E-UTRAPhysical layer procedures”; and TS 36.321 V12.5.0, “E-UTRA MAC protocolspecification”. The standards and documents listed above are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 1 shows a multiple access wireless communication system accordingto one embodiment of the invention. An access network 100 (AN) includesmultiple antenna groups, one including 104 and 106, another including108 and 110, and an additional including 112 and 114. In FIG. 1, onlytwo antennas are shown for each antenna group, however, more or fewerantennas may be utilized for each antenna group. Access terminal 116(AT) is in communication with antennas 112 and 114, where antennas 112and 114 transmit information to access terminal 116 over forward link120 and receive information from access terminal 116 over reverse link118. Access terminal (AT) 122 is in communication with antennas 106 and108, where antennas 106 and 108 transmit information to access terminal(AT) 122 over forward link 126 and receive information from accessterminal (AT) 122 over reverse link 124. In a FDD system, communicationlinks 118, 120, 124 and 126 may use different frequency forcommunication. For example, forward link 120 may use a differentfrequency then that used by reverse link 118.

Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are designed tocommunicate is often referred to as a sector of the access network. Inthe embodiment, antenna groups each are designed to communicate toaccess terminals in a sector of the areas covered by access network 100.

In communication over forward links 120 and 126, the transmittingantennas of access network 100 may utilize beamforming in order toimprove the signal-to-noise ratio of forward links for the differentaccess terminals 116 and 122. Also, an access network using beamformingto transmit to access terminals scattered randomly through its coveragecauses less interference to access terminals in neighboring cells thanan access network transmitting through a single antenna to all itsaccess terminals.

An access network (AN) may be a fixed station or base station used forcommunicating with the terminals and may also be referred to as anaccess point, a Node B, a base station, an enhanced base station, anevolved Node B (eNB), or some other terminology. An access terminal (AT)may also be called user equipment (UE), a wireless communication device,terminal, access terminal or some other terminology.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a transmittersystem 210 (also known as the access network) and a receiver system 250(also known as access terminal (AT) or user equipment (UE)) in a MIMOsystem 200. At the transmitter system 210, traffic data for a number ofdata streams is provided from a data source 212 to a transmit (TX) dataprocessor 214.

In one embodiment, each data stream is transmitted over a respectivetransmit antenna. TX data processor 214 formats, codes, and interleavesthe traffic data for each data stream based on a particular codingscheme selected for that data stream to provide coded data.

The coded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with pilot datausing OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a known data patternthat is processed in a known manner and may be used at the receiversystem to estimate the channel response. The multiplexed pilot and codeddata for each data stream is then modulated (i.e., symbol mapped) basedon a particular modulation scheme (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, M-PSK, or M-QAM)selected for that data stream to provide modulation symbols. The datarate, coding, and modulation for each data stream may be determined byinstructions performed by processor 230.

The modulation symbols for all data streams are then provided to a TXMIMO processor 220, which may further process the modulation symbols(e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 220 then provides N_(T) modulationsymbol streams to N_(T) transmitters (TMTR) 222 a through 222 t. Incertain embodiments, TX MIMO processor 220 applies beamforming weightsto the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna from which thesymbol is being transmitted.

Each transmitter 222 receives and processes a respective symbol streamto provide one or more analog signals, and further conditions (e.g.,amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide amodulated signal suitable for transmission over the MIMO channel. N_(T)modulated signals from transmitters 222 a through 222 t are thentransmitted from N_(T) antennas 224 a through 224 t, respectively.

At receiver system 250, the transmitted modulated signals are receivedby N_(R) antennas 252 a through 252 r and the received signal from eachantenna 252 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR) 254 a through254 r. Each receiver 254 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, anddownconverts) a respective received signal, digitizes the conditionedsignal to provide samples, and further processes the samples to providea corresponding “received” symbol stream.

An RX data processor 260 then receives and processes the N_(R) receivedsymbol streams from N_(R) receivers 254 based on a particular receiverprocessing technique to provide N_(T) “detected” symbol streams. The RXdata processor 260 then demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes eachdetected symbol stream to recover the traffic data for the data stream.The processing by RX data processor 260 is complementary to thatperformed by TX MIMO processor 220 and TX data processor 214 attransmitter system 210.

A processor 270 periodically determines which pre-coding matrix to use(discussed below). Processor 270 formulates a reverse link messagecomprising a matrix index portion and a rank value portion.

The reverse link message may comprise various types of informationregarding the communication link and/or the received data stream. Thereverse link message is then processed by a TX data processor 238, whichalso receives traffic data for a number of data streams from a datasource 236, modulated by a modulator 280, conditioned by transmitters254 a through 254 r, and transmitted back to transmitter system 210.

At transmitter system 210, the modulated signals from receiver system250 are received by antennas 224, conditioned by receivers 222,demodulated by a demodulator 240, and processed by a RX data processor242 to extract the reserve link message transmitted by the receiversystem 250. Processor 230 then determines which pre-coding matrix to usefor determining the beamforming weights then processes the extractedmessage.

Turning to FIG. 3, this figure shows an alternative simplifiedfunctional block diagram of a communication device according to oneembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the communicationdevice 300 in a wireless communication system can be utilized forrealizing the UEs (or ATs) 116 and 122 in FIG. 1 or the base station (orAN) 100 in FIG. 1, and the wireless communications system is preferablythe LTE system. The communication device 300 may include an input device302, an output device 304, a control circuit 306, a central processingunit (CPU) 308, a memory 310, a program code 312, and a transceiver 314.The control circuit 306 executes the program code 312 in the memory 310through the CPU 308, thereby controlling an operation of thecommunications device 300. The communications device 300 can receivesignals input by a user through the input device 302, such as a keyboardor keypad, and can output images and sounds through the output device304, such as a monitor or speakers. The transceiver 314 is used toreceive and transmit wireless signals, delivering received signals tothe control circuit 306, and outputting signals generated by the controlcircuit 306 wirelessly. The communication device 300 in a wirelesscommunication system can also be utilized for realizing the AN 100 inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the program code 312 shown inFIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the program code 312 includes an application layer 400, aLayer 3 portion 402, and a Layer 2 portion 404, and is coupled to aLayer 1 portion 406. The Layer 3 portion 402 generally performs radioresource control. The Layer 2 portion 404 generally performs linkcontrol. The Layer 1 portion 406 generally performs physicalconnections.

The concept of radio access for 5G is described in the DOCOMO 5G WhitePaper. One key point is to efficiently integrate both lower and higherfrequency bands. Higher frequency bands provide opportunities for widerspectrum but have coverage limitations because of higher path loss. TheDOCOMO 5G White Paper proposes that 5G system has a two-layer structurethat consists of a coverage layer (e.g., consisting of macro cell(s))and a capacity layer (e.g., consisting of small cell(s) or phantomcell(s)). The coverage layer generally uses existing lower frequencybands to provide basic coverage and mobility. The capacity layergenerally uses new higher frequency bands to provide high data ratetransmission. The coverage layer could be supported by enhanced LTE RAT(Long Term Evolution Radio Access Technology) while the capacity layercould be supported by a new RAT dedicated to higher frequency bands. Theefficient integration of the coverage and capacity layers is enabled bythe tight interworking (dual connectivity) between the enhanced LTE RATand the new RAT. In the new radio technology for the next generation(e.g., 5G), an eNB may alternatively control multiple transmissionpoints (TPs) or transmission and reception point (TRPs) to form avirtual cell for supporting the capacity layer.

Dual connectivity, as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.300, is a mode ofoperation of a UE in RRC_CONNECTED, configured with a Master Cell Group(i.e., a group of serving cells associated with the MeNB, comprising ofthe PCell (Primary Cell) and optionally one or more SCells (SecondaryCell)) and a Secondary Cell Group (i.e., a group of serving cellsassociated with the SeNB, comprising of PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell)and optionally one or more SCells). A UE configured with dualconnectivity means that the UE is configured to utilize radio resourcesprovided by two distinct schedulers, located in two eNBs, including MeNB(Master eNB) and SeNB (Secondary eNB) connected via a non-ideal backhaulover the X2 interface. Further details of dual connectivity could befound in 3GPP TS 36.300.

Furthermore, cells, TPs, or TRPs on the capacity layer may usebeamforming. Beamforming is a signal processing technique used inantenna arrays for directional signal transmission or reception. This isgenerally achieved by combining elements in a phased array in such a waythat signals at particular angles experience constructive interferencewhile others experience destructive interference. Beamforming can beused at both the transmitting and receiving ends in order to achievespatial selectivity. The improvement compared with omnidirectionalreception/transmission is generally known as the receive/transmit gain.

Beam forming is frequently applied in radar systems. The beam created bya phased array radar is comparatively narrow and highly agile comparedto a moving dish. This characteristic gives the radar the ability todetect small, fast targets like ballistic missiles in addition toaircrafts.

The benefit of co-channel interference reduction also makes beamformingattractive to a mobile communication system designer. U.S. PatentPublication No. 2010/0165914 generally discloses the concept of beamdivision multiple access (BDMA) based on beamforming technique. In BDMA,a base station can communicate with a mobile device via a narrow beam toobtain the receive/transmit gain. Besides, two mobile devices indifferent beams can share the same radio resources at the same time andthus the capacity of a mobile communication system can increase greatly.To achieve that, the base station should know in which beam a mobiledevice is located.

Frame structure in LTE, as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.300, is organizedinto radio frames and each radio frame (e.g. 10 ms) is divided into tensubframes. Each subframe may include two slots:

Physical Layer for E-UTRA

Downlink and uplink transmissions are organized into radio frames with10 ms duration. Two radio frame structures are supported:

-   -   Type 1, applicable to FDD;    -   Type 2, applicable to TDD.

Frame structure Type 1 is illustrated in FIG. 5.1-1. Each 10 ms radioframe is divided into ten equally sized sub-frames. Each sub-frameconsists of two equally sized slots. For FDD, 10 subframes are availablefor downlink transmission and 10 subframes are available for uplinktransmissions in each 10 ms interval. Uplink and downlink transmissionsare separated in the frequency domain.

FIG. 5.1-1: Frame Structure Type 1 [is Reproduced as FIG. 5 of thePresent Application]

Frame structure Type 2 is illustrated in FIG. 5.1-2. Each 10 ms radioframe consists of two half-frames of 5 ms each. Each half-frame consistsof eight slots of length 0.5 ms and three special fields: DwPTS, GP andUpPTS. The length of DwPTS and UpPTS is configurable subject to thetotal length of DwPTS, GP and UpPTS being equal to 1 ms. Both 5 ms and10 ms switch-point periodicity are supported. Subframe 1 in allconfigurations and subframe 6 in configuration with 5 ms switch-pointperiodicity consist of DwPTS, GP and UpPTS. Subframe 6 in configurationwith 10 ms switch-point periodicity consists of DwPTS only. All othersubframes consist of two equally sized slots.

For TDD, GP is reserved for downlink to uplink transition. OtherSubframes/Fields are assigned for either downlink or uplinktransmission. Uplink and downlink transmissions are separated in thetime domain.

FIG. 5.1-2: Frame Structure Type 2 (for 5 ms Switch-Point Periodicity)[is Reproduced as FIG. 6 of the Present Application]

Table 5.1-1: Uplink-Downlink Allocations [is Reproduced as FIG. 7 of thePresent Application]

Each downlink slot includes N_(symb) ^(DL) OFDM symbols as shown in thefollowing FIG. 6.2.2-1 and Table 6.2.3-1 of 3GPP TS 36.211, which arereproduced respectively as FIGS. 8 and 9 of the present application.

System Frame Number (SFN) is changed periodically and provided by systeminformation, i.e., MasterInformationBlock (as discussed in 3GPP 36.331),to help UEs identify the frame number of a radio frame.MasterInformationBlock not only includes SFN but also other parameters(e.g., dl-Bandwidth and phich-Config) as follows:

MasterInformationBlock

The MasterInformationBlock includes the system information transmittedon BCH.

-   -   Signalling radio bearer: N/A    -   RLC-SAP: TM    -   Logical channel: BCCH    -   Direction: E-UTRAN to UE        -   MasterInformationBlock

-- ASN1START MasterInformationBlock ::= SEQUENCE {  dl-Bandwidth ENUMERATED {   n6, n15, n25, n50, n75, n100},  phich-Config PHICH-Config,  systemFrameNumber   BIT STRING (SIZE (8)),  spare   BITSTRING (SIZE (10)) } -- ASN1STOP

MasterInformationBlock field descriptions dl-Bandwidth Parameter:transmission bandwidth configuration, N_(RB) in downlink, see TS 36.101[42, table 5.6-1]. n6 corresponds to 6 resource blocks, n15 to 15resource blocks and so on. systemFrameNumber Defines the 8 mostsignificant bits of the SFN. As indicated in TS 36.211 [21, 6.6.1], the2 least significant bits of the SFN are acquired implicitly in the P-BCHdecoding, i.e. timing of 40 ms P-BCH TTI indicates 2 least significantbits (within 40 ms P-BCH TTI, the first radio frame: 00, the secondradio frame: 01, the third radio frame: 10, the last radio frame: 11).One value applies for all serving cells of a Cell Group (i.e. MCG orSCG). The associated functionality is common (i.e. not performedindependently for each cell).

Based on SFN, the UE can determine the timing to perform UL (Uplink)transmission, e.g., for SR (Scheduling Request), SRS (Sounding ReferenceSignal), CSI (Channel State Information) reporting, and/or Random AccessPreamble, as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.211, TS 36.331, and TS 36.213. OrSFN may be used by UE to determine the Active Time for DRX(Discontinuous reception) operation as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.321.

MIB is carried by the first four (4) symbols in the second slot of thefirst subframe in a radio frame as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.211 asfollows:

6.6.4 Mapping to Resource Elements

The block of complex-valued symbols y^((p))(0), . . . ,y^((p))(M_(symb)−1) for each antenna port is transmitted during 4consecutive radio frames starting in each radio frame fulfilling n_(f)mod 4=0 and shall be mapped in sequence starting with y(0) to resourceelements (k,l). The mapping to resource elements (k,l) not reserved fortransmission of reference signals shall be in increasing order of firstthe index k, then the index l in slot 1 in subframe 0 and finally theradio frame number. The resource-element indices are given by

${k = {\frac{N_{RB}^{DL}N_{sc}^{RB}}{2} - {36} + k^{\prime}}},{k^{\prime} = 0},1,\ldots\mspace{14mu},71$l = 0, 1, …  , 3where resource elements reserved for reference signals shall beexcluded. The mapping operation shall assume cell-specific referencesignals for antenna ports 0-3 being present irrespective of the actualconfiguration. The UE shall assume that the resource elements assumed tobe reserved for reference signals in the mapping operation above but notused for transmission of reference signal are not available for PDSCHtransmission. The UE shall not make any other assumptions about theseresource elements.

The main purpose of transmission of synchronization signals, such as PSS(Primary Synchronization Signal) and SSS (Second Synchronization Signal)in a cell is for UEs in the cell to obtain the downlink timing (i.e.,the radio frame boundary and subframe boundary). PSS and SSS are eachcarried by one symbol different from symbols which carry SFN asdiscussed in 3GPP TS 36.211 as follows:

6.11.1.2 Mapping to Resource Elements

The mapping of the sequence to resource elements depends on the framestructure. The UE shall not assume that the primary synchronizationsignal is transmitted on the same antenna port as any of the downlinkreference signals. The UE shall not assume that any transmissioninstance of the primary synchronization signal is transmitted on thesame antenna port, or ports, used for any other transmission instance ofthe primary synchronization signal. The sequence d(n) shall be mapped tothe resource elements according to

a_(k, l) = d(n), n = 0, …  , 61$k = {n - {31} + \frac{N_{RB}^{DL}N_{sc}^{RB}}{2}}$

For frame structure type 1, the primary synchronization signal shall bemapped to the last OFDM symbol in slots 0 and 10.

For frame structure type 2, the primary synchronization signal shall bemapped to the third OFDM symbol in subframes 1 and 6. Resource elements(k,l) in the OFDM symbols used for transmission of the primarysynchronization signal where

$k = {n - 31 + \frac{N_{RB}^{DL}N_{sc}^{RB}}{2}}$n = −5, −4, …  , −1, 62, 63, …  66are reserved and not used for transmission of the primarysynchronization signal.6.11.2.2 Mapping to Resource Elements

The mapping of the sequence to resource elements depends on the framestructure. In a subframe for frame structure type 1 and in a half-framefor frame structure type 2, the same antenna port as for the primarysynchronization signal shall be used for the secondary synchronizationsignal.

The sequence d(n) shall be mapped to resource elements according to

a_(k, l) = d(n), n = 0, …  , 61$k = {n - {31} + \frac{N_{RB}^{DL}N_{sc}^{RB}}{2}}$$l = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{N_{symb}^{DL} - 2} & {{in}\mspace{14mu}{slots}\mspace{14mu} 0\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} 10} & {{for}\mspace{14mu}{frame}\mspace{14mu}{structure}\mspace{14mu}{type}\mspace{14mu} 1} \\{N_{symb}^{DL} - 1} & {{in}\mspace{14mu}{slots}\mspace{14mu} 1\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} 11} & {{for}\mspace{14mu}{frame}\mspace{14mu}{structure}\mspace{14mu}{type}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix} \right.$

Resource elements (k,l) where

$k = {n - {31} + \frac{N_{RB}^{DL}N_{sc}^{RB}}{2}}$$l = \left\{ {{{\begin{matrix}{N_{symb}^{DL} - 2} & {{in}\mspace{14mu}{slots}\mspace{14mu} 0\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} 10} & {{for}\mspace{14mu}{frame}\mspace{14mu}{structure}\mspace{14mu}{type}\mspace{14mu} 1} \\{N_{symb}^{DL} - 1} & {{in}\mspace{14mu}{slots}\mspace{14mu} 1\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} 11} & {{for}\mspace{14mu}{frame}\mspace{14mu}{structure}\mspace{14mu}{type}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}n} = {- 5}},{- 4},\ldots\mspace{14mu},{- 1},62,63,{\ldots\mspace{14mu} 66}} \right.$are reserved and not used for transmission of the secondarysynchronization signal.

A TDD optimized physical subframe structure for a UDN system proposed byMETIS Deliverable D2.4 is illustrated in FIG. 10, which adopts the maindesign principles listed below:

-   -   A bi-directional (including both DL and UL resources) control        part is embedded to the beginning of each subframe and        time-separated from data part.    -   Data part in one subframe contains data symbols for either        transmission or reception. Demodulation reference signal (DMRS)        symbols, used to estimate the channel and its covariance matrix,        are located e.g. in the first OFDM symbol in the dynamic data        part and can be precoded with the same vector/matrix as data.    -   Short subframe lengths, such as e.g. 0.25 ms on cmW frequencies        when assuming 60 kHz SC spacing, are feasible. By following the        principles of harmonized OFDM concept, the frame numerology is        further scaled when moving to mmW, leading to even shorter frame        length, e.g. in the order of 50 μs.    -   In frequency direction, the spectrum can be divided to separate        allocable frequency resources.

The bi-directional control part of the subframe allows the devices inthe network to receive and send control signals, such as schedulingrequests (SRs) and scheduling grants (SGs), in every subframe. Inaddition to the scheduling related control information, the controlportion may also contain reference signals (RS) and synchronizationsignals used for cell detection and selection, scheduling in frequencydomain, precoder selection, and channel estimation.

In LTE, cell-specific reference signals (CRS) are transmitted in alldownlink subframes in a cell, as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.211. Thus CRScan be used to support UE measurements (e.g., Reference Signal ReceivedPower (RSRP) or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ)) and PDCCH(Physical Downlink Control Channel) demodulation.

Regarding reference signals (RS), METIS Deliverable D2.4 states: “[i]naddition to the scheduling related control information, the control partin the TDD subframe structure may also contain reference signals (RS)and synchronization signals used for cell detection and selection,scheduling in frequency domain, precoder selection and channelestimation.”

To find beam(s) in which a UE can communicate with a base station, it isproposed in the DOCOMO 5G White Paper that the UE transmits its positionand speed to the base station and then the base station determines thedirection of a downlink beam for the UE according to the receivedposition and speed. In this way, however, the base station may not ableto determine the UE's beams accurately, due to the very complicatedpropagation environment in mobile cellular systems. For example, theline of sight (LOS) between the UE and the base station may be blockedand communication may proceed via other paths (non LOS). In addition,typically not all UEs in a cell are equipped with positioning capability(e.g., low end devices). As a result, the benefit of BDMA (Beam DivisionMultiple Access) cannot be enjoyed if there are many low end devices ina cell. Other ways for a base station to determine UE's beams could beconsidered.

U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/107,814 entitled “Method andApparatus for Beam Tracking in a Wireless Communication System”considers the beam pattern applied by a base station for transmissionand/or reception in a cell as fixed. That is the number and thebeam-widths of beams in a cell are fixed, while the beam-widths of beamsin different directions could be same or different. Due to multiplepropagation paths or overlapping between two neighboring beams, it islikely that multiple beams may be used by a UE for communicating withthe base station. In this situation, the base station needs to determinethe beam set used by a UE.

Considering the enlarged number of antennas with wider bandwidth, it isquite challenging in terms of overall cost and power consumption toimplement beamforming in a cell, TP, or TRP with one transceiver perantenna element. As a result, the maximum number of beams which can begenerated by a cell, TP, or TRP at one time could be less than the totalnumber of beams covered by a cell, TP, or TRP e.g. if a hybridbeamformer consisting of an analog beamformer and digital precoding isemployed by the cell, TP, or TRP. Thus, it may take several times forthe cell, TP, or TRP to scan all beams of the cell, TP, or TRP forcompleting a round of CRS transmissions and each time CRS is transmittedon predefined beams (i.e. a beam set). As shown in FIG. 11, there arethree (3) beam sets in the cell. In each CRS transmission period, CRStransmission is performed per beam set on all beams in each beam set.Furthermore, it takes three (3) CRS transmissions in one CRStransmission period to complete a round of CRS transmissions for all thebeam sets.

In LTE, a UE performs PDCCH demodulation according to channel estimationon CRS (Cell-specific Reference Signal). It is presumed that channelestimation for PDCCH demodulation in a cell, TP, or TRP applyingbeamforming should be done in beam domain (i.e., a UE needs to detectCRS on those beams used for PDCCH transmission to the UE). However, itis not always possible for a UE to receive CRS in every subframe if ahybrid beamformer is used, because CRS may not be present in thesubframe where the PDCCH is transmitted. Even if CRS may be present inthe same subframe as PDCCH, it is possible that CRS and PDCCH aretransmitted on different beams. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, CRS istransmitted on beams 1, 2, 3, & 4, while PDCCH is transmitted to the UEon beam 9. Therefore, it is not feasible for UEs to rely on CRS forPDCCH demodulation. Thus, in addition to CRS for UE measurements (e.g.,RSRP or RSRQ), a new RS (e.g., DMRS) needs to be defined in a cell, TP,or TRP to accompany the PDCCH transmission for demodulation purpose. Onepotential way is for the base station to transmit the DMRS in the samesubframe (or symbol) in which the PDCCH is transmitted.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart 1300, from the perspective of a cell,transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP), inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment. In step 1305, the cell, TP, orTRP broadcasts a first RS periodically for measurement, wherein thefirst RS is transmitted at multiple occasions (or timings) in eachperiod on different beams. In step 1310, the cell, TP, or TRP transmitsa second RS to a UE for PDCCH demodulation, wherein the second RS istransmitted on multiple beams in a beam set of the UE in a subframe (orsymbol) in which the PDCCH is transmitted. In step 1315, the cell, TP,or TRP communicates with the UE via downlink transmissions and uplinkreceptions, wherein the downlink transmissions and uplink receptions areorganized into radio frames, a radio frame contains multiple subframes,and a subframe contains multiple symbols.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment from the perspectiveof a cell, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point(TRP), the device 300 includes a program code 312 stored in the memory310. The CPU 308 could execute program code 312 to enable the cell, TP,or TRP (i) to broadcast a first RS periodically for measurement, whereinthe first RS is transmitted at multiple occasions (or timings) in eachperiod on different beams, and (ii) to transmit a second RS to a UE forPDCCH demodulation, wherein the second RS is transmitted on multiplebeams in a beam set of the UE in a subframe (or symbol) in which thePDCCH is transmitted. In one embodiment, the CPU could further executeprogram code 312 to enable the cell, TP, or TRP to communicate with theUE via downlink transmissions and uplink receptions, wherein thedownlink transmissions and uplink receptions are organized into radioframes, a radio frame contains multiple subframes, and a subframecontains multiple symbols. Furthermore, the CPU 308 can execute theprogram code 312 to perform all of the above-described actions and stepsor others described herein.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart 1400 from the perspective of a UE in accordancewith one exemplary embodiment. In step 1405, the UE performs measurementon a first RS, wherein the first RS is transmitted periodically by thecell, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP)at multiple occasions (or timings) in each period on different beams. Instep 1410, the UE receives a second RS for PDCCH demodulation, whereinthe second RS is transmitted by the cell, TP, or TRP on multiple beamsin a beam set of the UE in a same subframe (or symbol) in which thePDCCH is transmitted. In step 1415, The UE communicates with the cell,TP, or TRP via uplink transmissions and downlink receptions, wherein theuplink transmissions and downlink receptions are organized into radioframes, a radio frame contains multiple subframes, and a subframecontains multiple symbols.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment from the perspectiveof a UE, the device 300 includes a program code 312 stored in memory310. The CPU 308 could execute program code 312 to enable the UE (i) toreceive a second RS for PDCCH demodulation, wherein the second RS istransmitted periodically by the cell, transmission point (TP), ortransmission and reception point (TRP) on multiple beams in a beam setof the UE in a same subframe (or symbol) in which the PDCCH istransmitted, and (ii) to receive a second RS for PDCCH demodulation,wherein the second RS is transmitted by the cell, TP, or TRP on multiplebeams in a beam set of the UE in a same subframe (or symbol) in whichthe PDCCH is transmitted. In one embodiment, the CPU could furtherexecute program code 312 to enable the UE to communicate with the cell,TP, or TRP via uplink transmissions and downlink receptions, wherein theuplink transmissions and downlink receptions are organized into radioframes, a radio frame contains multiple subframes, and a subframecontains multiple symbols. Furthermore, the CPU 308 can execute theprogram code 312 to perform all of the above-described actions and stepsor others described herein.

With respect to the above embodiments, a total number of beams in thecell, TP, or TRP could be fixed. In addition, a direction and a beamwidth of each beam in the cell, TP, or TRP could be fixed.

In one embodiment, each subframe in the radio frame could contain adownlink control portion, an uplink control portion, and/or a dataportion. Furthermore, the first RS and the second RS are transmitted inthe downlink control portion. In addition, the downlink transmissionsand/or uplink receptions relevant to the UE could be performed by thecell, TP, or TRP on multiple beams in a beam set of the UE.

As mentioned above, SFN may be used for various purposes. UEs served bya cell, TP, or TRP on the capacity layer may still need to know the SFNof the cell, TP, or TRP. Current MIB (Master Information Block) includesinformation for downlink bandwidth, PHICH (Physical Hybrid ARQ IndicatorChannel) configuration, and SFN of the cell, TP, or TRP. Since the UEsconnect to the cell, TP, or TRP via dual connectivity, downlinkbandwidth and PHICH configuration can be provided via MeNB. However, SFNcannot be provided via MeNB because SFN is changed time by time, and thetwo base stations (MeNB and SeNB) are possibly connected via a non-idealbackhaul with not fixed and tolerable delay. Under the circumstance,improvement to efficiently provide the SFN to the UEs served by thecell, TP, or TRP should be considered to reduce control signal overheadof the cell, TP, or TRP.

There are different aspects to improve efficiency of providing SFN. Thefollowing improvements can be adopted independently or jointly:

-   -   The first aspect is the size of a signaling providing SFN. In        LTE, SFN is provided by MasterInformationBlock; and        MasterInformationBlock also includes dl-Bandwidth and        phich-Config. Since it is assumed that the UE connects to the        cell, TP, or TRP on the capacity layer by dual connectivity, the        cell, TP, or TRP is configured by MeNB based on negotiation        between MeNB and SeNB, as discussed in 3GPP TS 36.331. Then,        since dl-Bandwidth and phich-Config are not changed dynamically,        dl-Bandwidth and phich-Config could be provided via MeNB when        configuring the cell, TP, or TRP. Then, the signaling providing        SFN does not need to include dl-Bandwidth and phich-Config. The        overhead of the signaling can be reduced.    -   The second aspect is the length of the time interval to provide        SFN. The length of the time interval is related to efficiency of        providing SFN. Therefore, the general concept is that the        complete SFN should be transmitted in one symbol of a subframe.        Since only one symbol is used for SFN omnidirectional        transmission or for providing SFN on some beams, the cost to        provide SFN could be minimized, and the UE power consumption for        SFN reception could be reduced.    -   The third aspect is that if SFN could be transmitted together        with other information which has similar characteristic as SFN        (e.g., the information to be provided periodically and required        for all UEs), SFN could be provided efficiently (e.g., to        increase resource efficiency and reduce UE power consumption for        reception). Therefore, the general concept is that the complete        SFN or a part of SFN is transmitted in a symbol of a subframe        where a synchronization signal is transmitted. More        specifically, SFN and the synchronization signal could have        different transmission periodicity. Alternatively, the        transmission periodicity of SFN could be equal to or larger than        the transmission periodicity of the synchronization signal. More        specifically, the transmission periodicity of SFN could be a        multiple of the transmission periodicity of the synchronization        signal.

A network node controlling the cell, TP, or TRP could adopt the aboveimprovement(s) to perform corresponding transmission(s). A UE served bythe cell, TP, or TRP could also adopt the above improvement(s) toperform corresponding reception(s).

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the invention could beapplied to the physical subframe structure for a UDN (Ultra DenseNetwork) shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of how UE obtains a SFN as well as aDL bandwidth information of cell 2 controlled by BS (base station) 2.The DL bandwidth could be provided via cell 1 controlled by BS 1, e.g.,MeNB, in configuration which doesn't include the SFN of cell 2. Then,the SFN of cell 2 is provided via cell 2 in a signaling which does notinclude DL bandwidth information of cell 2. The overhead of thesignaling carrying SFN can be reduced.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of how to signal a SFN. A completeSFN is transmitted in one symbol of a subframe. And the signalingcarrying the SFN may not occupy or spread in whole bandwidth. Since onlyone symbol is used for the SFN omnidirectional transmission or providingthe SFN on some beams, the cost to provide SFN can be minimized, and theUE power consumption for the SFN reception can be reduced.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary embodiment of how to signal a SFN and areference signal in one symbol. The SFN is transmitted in a symbol of asubframe where a reference signal is transmitted. The SFN and thereference signal occupy different frequency resource within the symbol.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart 1800 in accordance with one exemplary embodimentfrom the perspective of a network node. The flow chart 1800 generallyillustrates a method for a first network node to control a first cell,TP, or TRP. In step 1805, the first network node broadcasts, in thefirst cell, TP, or TRP, a first signaling indicating a SFN of the firstcell, TP, or TRP, wherein the first signaling does not includeinformation related to bandwidth of the first cell, TP, or TRP.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 300 includes a program code312 stored in memory 310 of the transmitter. The CPU 308 could executeprogram code 312 to enable a first network node to broadcast, in a firstcell, TP, or TRP, a first signaling indicating a SFN of the first cell,TP, or TRP, wherein the first signaling does not include informationrelated to bandwidth of the first cell, TP, or TRP. In addition, the CPU308 can execute the program code 312 to perform all of theabove-described actions and steps or others described herein.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart 1900, in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment from the perspective of a UE. In step 1905, the UE receives asecond signaling, in a second cell, TP, or TRP, indicating informationrelated to bandwidth of a first cell, TP, or TRP. In step 1910, the UEreceives a first signaling, in the first cell, TP, or TRP, indicating aSFN of the first cell, TP, or TRP, wherein the first signaling does notinclude the information related to bandwidth of the first cell, TP, orTRP.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment from the perspectiveof a UE, the device 300 includes a program code 312 stored in memory 310of the transmitter. The CPU 308 could execute program code 312 to enablethe UE (i) to receive a second signaling, in a second cell, TP, or TRP,indicating information related to bandwidth of a first cell, TP, or TRP,and (ii) to receive a first signaling, in the first cell, TP, or TRP,indicating a SFN of the first cell, TP, or TRP, wherein the firstsignaling does not include the information related to bandwidth of thefirst cell, TP, or TRP. In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the programcode 312 to perform all of the above-described actions and steps orothers described herein.

With respect to the above embodiments, the first cell, TP, or TRP couldbe controlled by the first network node. Furthermore, the second cellcould be a MCG (Master Cell Group) cell. In addition the second cell,TP, or TRP could be in a coverage layer, and could be controlled by asecond network node. The second network node could be a base station ora MeNB.

In one embodiment, the second signaling could configure the first cell,TP, or TRP as a serving cell, TP, or TRP for the UE. The secondsignaling could indicate a configuration for PHICH. Furthermore, the UEcould be connected to the first cell, TP, or TRP and the second cell,TP, or TRP by dual connectivity (e.g., the first cell, TP, or TRP andthe second cell, TP, or TRP are controlled by different network nodes).

FIG. 20 is a flow chart 2000 in accordance with one exemplary embodimentfrom the perspective of a network node. The flow chart 2000 generallyillustrates a method for a first network node to control a first cell,TP, or TRP. In step 2005, the first network node broadcasts, in thefirst cell, TP, or TRP controlled by the first network node, a firstsignaling indicating a SFN of the first cell, TP, or TRP, wherein thefirst signaling is transmitted in a symbol of a subframe, and the symbolalso carries at least a synchronization signal.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment from the perspectiveof a first network node, the device 300 includes a program code 312stored in memory 310 of the transmitter. The CPU 308 could executeprogram code 312 (i) to broadcast a first signaling indicating a SFN ofa first cell, TP, or TRP controlled by the first network node, whereinthe first signaling is transmitted in a symbol of a subframe, and thesymbol also carries at least a synchronization signal. In addition, theCPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to perform all of theabove-described actions and steps or others described herein.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart 2100 in accordance with one exemplary embodimentfrom the perspective of a UE. In step 2105, the UE receives, in a firstcell, TP, or TRP, a first signaling indicating a SFN of the first cell,TP, or TRP, wherein the first signaling is transmitted in a symbol of asubframe, and the symbol also carries at least a synchronization signal.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment from the perspectiveof a UE, the device 300 includes a program code 312 stored in memory 310of the transmitter. The CPU 308 could execute program code 312 to enablethe UE to receive, in a first cell, TP, or TRP, a first signalingindicating a SFN of the first cell, TP, or TRP, wherein the firstsignaling is transmitted in a symbol of a subframe, and the symbol alsocarries at least a synchronization signal. In addition, the CPU 308 canexecute the program code 312 to perform all of the above-describedactions and steps or others described herein.

With respect to the above embodiments, the UE could also receive thesynchronization signal in the same symbol of the subframe. In oneembodiment, the synchronization signal could occupy more than one symbolof the subframe. Alternatively, the synchronization signal only occupiesthe symbol of the subframe, i.e., the complete synchronization signalcan be transmitted in one symbol. Furthermore, the first signaling couldoccupy more than one symbol of the subframe. Alternatively, the firstsignaling only occupies the symbol of the subframe, i.e., the completefirst signaling can be transmitted in one symbol. In one embodiment, thesymbol could include a field to convey the first signaling.

In one embodiment, the first signaling and the synchronization signalcould have different transmission periodicities. The transmissionperiodicity of the first signaling could be larger than transmissionperiodicity of the synchronization signal. Transmission periodicity ofthe first signaling could be a multiple of transmission periodicity ofthe synchronization signal. Alternatively, transmission periodicity ofthe first signaling is equal to transmission periodicity of thesynchronization signal.

In one embodiment, the symbol could be for beam forming or foromnidirectional transmission. In addition, the symbol could be an OFDM(Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbol. The symbol could bethe first symbol in a subframe, the last symbol in a subframe, or thelast symbol in a control region (or control portion) of a subframe.Furthermore, the synchronization signal could be a PSS (PrimarySynchronization Signal) or a SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal).

In one embodiment, the first signaling does not indicate configurationfor PHICH. Alternatively, the first signaling could indicate the SFNonly but no other configuration. Furthermore, the first signaling couldbe a system information, a MasterInformationBlock, a Random AccessResponse, or a MAC (Medium Access Control) control element. In addition,the first signaling could be broadcasted, transmitted periodically,transmitted by beam forming, and/or transmitted in the control region(or control portion) of a subframe. Furthermore, the transmission of thefirst signaling could be omnidirectional.

In one embodiment, the first signaling could indicate partial bits ofthe SFN, n most significant bits of the SFN, or all bits of the SFN.

In one embodiment, the first network node could be a base station, or aSeNB. In addition, the first cell could be a SCG cell and/or could be inthe capacity layer.

Various aspects of the disclosure have been described above. It shouldbe apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide varietyof forms and that any specific structure, function, or both beingdisclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings hereinone skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed hereinmay be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two ormore of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, anapparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using anynumber of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatusmay be implemented or such a method may be practiced using otherstructure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition toor other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein. As an exampleof some of the above concepts, in some aspects concurrent channels maybe established based on pulse repetition frequencies. In some aspectsconcurrent channels may be established based on pulse position oroffsets. In some aspects concurrent channels may be established based ontime hopping sequences. In some aspects concurrent channels may beestablished based on pulse repetition frequencies, pulse positions oroffsets, and time hopping sequences.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, and algorithmsteps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may beimplemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, ananalog implementation, or a combination of the two, which may bedesigned using source coding or some other technique), various forms ofprogram or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referredto herein, for convenience, as “software” or a “software module”), orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, andcircuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein maybe implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (“IC”), anaccess terminal, or an access point. The IC may comprise a generalpurpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components, electrical components, opticalcomponents, mechanical components, or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein, and may execute codes orinstructions that reside within the IC, outside of the IC, or both. Ageneral purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in anydisclosed process is an example of a sample approach. Based upon designpreferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy ofsteps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within thescope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theaspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module (e.g., including executable instructions and relateddata) and other data may reside in a data memory such as RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readablestorage medium known in the art. A sample storage medium may be coupledto a machine such as, for example, a computer/processor (which may bereferred to herein, for convenience, as a “processor”) such theprocessor can read information (e.g., code) from and write informationto the storage medium. A sample storage medium may be integral to theprocessor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.The ASIC may reside in user equipment. In the alternative, the processorand the storage medium may reside as discrete components in userequipment. Moreover, in some aspects any suitable computer-programproduct may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising codesrelating to one or more of the aspects of the disclosure. In someaspects a computer program product may comprise packaging materials.

While the invention has been described in connection with variousaspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of furthermodifications. This application is intended to cover any variations,uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, theprinciples of the invention, and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within the known and customary practicewithin the art to which the invention pertains.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for a User Equipment (UE),comprising: receiving, by the UE, a synchronization signal in anOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of a subframe;and receiving, by the UE, a signaling indicating System Frame Number(SFN) of a cell in (i) the same OFDM symbol of the subframe used forreceiving the synchronization signal and (ii) one or more other OFDMsymbols of the subframe.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signalingand the synchronization signal occupy different frequency resourceswithin the OFDM symbol of the subframe.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the signaling is MasterInformationBlock.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the synchronization signal only occupies one OFDM symbol ofthe subframe.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the synchronizationsignal is a secondary synchronization signal.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein transmission periodicity of the signaling is equal totransmission periodicity of the synchronization signal.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the cell is in a wireless communication system.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein transmissions are organized into radio framesin the wireless communication system.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereina radio frame of the radio frames comprises multiple subframes.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the signaling comprises one or moreparameters different than the SFN.
 11. A User Equipment (UE),comprising: a control circuit; a processor installed in the controlcircuit; and a memory installed in the control circuit and operativelycoupled to the processor; wherein that the processor is configured toexecute a program code stored in the memory to: receive, by the UE, asynchronization signal in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing(OFDM), symbol of a subframe; and receive, by the UE, a signalingindicating System Frame Number (SFN) of a cell in (i) the same OFDMsymbol of the subframe used for receiving the synchronization signal and(ii) one or more other OFDM symbols of the subframe.
 12. The UE of claim11, wherein the signaling and the synchronization signal occupydifferent frequency resources within the OFDM symbol of the subframe.13. The UE of claim 11, wherein the signaling is MasterInformationBlock.14. The UE of claim 11, wherein the synchronization signal only occupiesone OFDM symbol of the subframe.
 15. The UE of claim 11, wherein thesynchronization signal is a secondary synchronization signal.
 16. The UEof claim 11, wherein transmission periodicity of the signaling is equalto transmission periodicity of the synchronization signal.
 17. The UE ofclaim 11, wherein the cell is in a wireless communication system. 18.The UE of claim 17, wherein transmissions are organized into radioframes in the wireless communication system.
 19. The UE of claim 18,wherein a radio frame of the radio frames comprises multiple subframes.20. The UE of claim 11, wherein the signaling comprises one or moreparameters different than the SFN.